Speculation surrounding Allardyce’s future has intensified this week, with some reports suggesting Sunday’s trip to Manchester City could be his last as West Ham manager.

Allardyce says Sullivan gave him no reason to worry over the phone on Thursday, but he admits he will only know for sure what his future holds after he has met with the Hammers board next week.

“I heard the rumours yesterday,” Allardyce said. “The only thing I can say is that I spoke to David Sullivan yesterday about arranging our usual end of season meeting to go through the pre-season, budgets and what’s going to happen next season.

“I had no indication to my position being under threat. That’s all I know, and he’s the boss. That’s really the bottom line, for me.

“I rang him up, spoke about what was going around, and under those circumstances we just talked about getting together and having out meeting next week.”

Asked if the constant speculation has undermined his position this season, Allardyce said: “I’m not so sure about that.

“People in the game have to write speculation about what’s happening at certain clubs because they have to sell newspapers.

“Whether it’s right or wrong, only time will tell. Speculation is a part of the game.

“Whether speculation becomes a reality, at this moment in time, we don’t know. I will find out next week if it is.”